Fresh waves of talent
Communication arts students from Chulalongkorn University showcase their creativity in annual thesis exhibition
Under the endearing new slogan “We Grow Together”, Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Communication Arts (Nitade Chula) presents the 22nd Kangjor festival, featuring the vision and talents of this year’s crop of graduates. While the photographic works will be on display until the end of the month at Hof Art Residency, the short films, which premiere tomorrow at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, will screen for just two days. To get an idea of what to expect from Nitade Chula’s filmmakers, Guru speaks with Paphawee Jinnasith about her piece
Glowstick.
What is Glowstick about?
It’s a story about two best friends, Pim and Yo, who share an apartment. The event of Yo’s birthday awakens memories that she can’t seem to get over.
What was your inspiration behind the film?
My younger sister and I have always loved playing with glowsticks since we were children. So it’s something that’s special to me and also something that I just think is very pretty. Since not many people are that familiar with glowsticks, I wanted to convey a bit of my life and about something endearing to me.
Are there any themes to look out for in your film?
Personally, I’m drawn to movies that really tap into moods and tones. I get inspired by foreign commercials that tell stories with visuals and original accompaniment. My film might have a few of these influences in the theme and art direction. As for the story, it’s a mix of my personal story and imagination.
Did you make this film for anyone in particular?
Not really. I just wanted to tell this story. It was all about the story. But now that the film is done, I think it’ll relate most to audiences of my age group. I’m also curious how the younger audience will react to my film.
How long was production?
For a short film, this has taken a considerably long time to make. For one thing, I couldn’t work on it full time. I still had to attend classes and study. I had planned to start filming in March, knowing that I would be out of the country in April. That meant that writing and pre-production had to be finished before then. But when it came time to film in March, there were some mishaps that postponed filming to May. Post-production has literally been in its final phase this week.
Besides yours, what other film in Kangjor this year is particularly interesting?
The films in Kangjor this year are very promising. There’s everything from drama, romance, comedy, sci-fi and animation. I feel like everyone went with their own styles. One film I’m particularly looking forward to is Housetrap by Thanakorn Bamrungkit. In short, it’s about a heavy metal musician who tries to find a way out when he loses everything. Members of a real band called Neverland are in the film. But honestly, there are so many interesting stories this year.
Now that you’ve graduated, what’s next for you?
Right now I’m interested in the career of a creative art director because that’s what got me into production in the first place when I did my internship last year. Recently, I received an opportunity from the creative director at Ogilvy & Mather, Gumpon Laksanajinda to be an art director. He’s amazing. His works have won at Cannes every year. G
To catch the students’ works, visit Hof Art Residency throughout this month for the photographic exhibitions and the Bacc on Jul 11-12 for the short film screenings. Descriptions, synopses, and showtimes can be found on fb.com/ kangjor.nitade. For additional inquiries, call 086-7981834 (photography) and 086-043-4350 (films).